Architecture boat tour and Chicago 360

Question

what timeframe (morning, early afternoon, evening, night etc) do you recommend taking the Arch boat tour and Chicago 360 for the best experience/views?

Answer

Both the Architecture Boat Tour and the Chicago 360 offer incredible views, and the best time to experience each will depend on the kind of atmosphere you're looking for. Here are some suggestions for optimal times for each tour:

Architecture Boat Tour: The best time for this tour is typically in the late morning or early afternoon. The light at this time tends to be optimal for viewing and taking photos of the iconic buildings along the Chicago River. Morning tours (around 10:00 AM or so) tend to be a bit cooler and quieter, especially before the crowds build. Early afternoon tours are ideal for clear skies and better lighting for photos.

Late Morning (around 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Ideal for a more relaxed experience with great light.
Early Afternoon (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Best for great weather and lighting for photos, plus fewer crowds than later in the day.
Evening (around 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM): A good choice if you're looking for a sunset experience, but it can be a bit busier as more people arrive after work.

Chicago 360 (formerly John Hancock Observatory): For this, the evening or night time is the best to enjoy the stunning views of the city's skyline lit up at night. From the 360 Chicago observation deck, you'll get an unparalleled view of the city’s twinkling lights, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding areas. If you want to see the city in full splendor, a sunset visit, followed by twilight and evening views, offers the most dramatic experience.

Late Afternoon (around 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Catch the sunset and see the city transition into night.
Night (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Enjoy the sparkling city lights; it's a magical time to take in the panoramic views of the city.

In Summary:

For the boat tour: late morning or early afternoon offers the best lighting for photos and a calmer atmosphere.
For Chicago 360: late afternoon for sunset or night for the best views of the city lights.

Enjoy your time in Chicago – both of these experiences are not to be missed!